UPPER STREET bar and restaurant owners have slammed a council proposal to tax late night alcohol sales, calling the plan “unfair”.
Islington Council’s proposal, which could come into force next year, stipulates that all premises selling alcohol after midnight will be taxed up to £85 per week.
“It will be a squeeze on small businesses,” said Dominic Pulsford, 36, manager of The Bull on Upper Street.
“Prices will probably have to be raised.”
The council said the benefits of a night-time economy were outweighed by “the health impacts, amenity loss and the costs of excessive alcohol consumption, disorder and crime”.
The tax is expected to generate £450,000 per year and will contribute towards the cost of Islington’s night-time economy through extra-policing and weekend cleanups.
Craig Fisher, 31, duty manager of The Steam Passage on Upper Street, said it was “unfair” that bars and restaurants would be penalised simply because of their trade. He went on to describe the tax as “an annoyance”.
“Everyone already pays tax,” said Alper Mestan, 26, manager of La Forola restaurant on Upper Street, who also said the tax would be a “handicap” for his business.
The public have until 31 January 2014 to voice their views, with the council coming to a final decision on 27 February 2014.
